Timeline
February 13, 2026 — February 21, 2026
World
Timeline: How Cuba's Fuel Crisis Deepened Under US Blockade (February 2026)
In February 2026, Cuba faced an escalating humanitarian crisis as US blockades on oil shipments created severe fuel shortages across the island. What began as fuel rationing quickly cascaded into multiple crises affecting transportation, waste collection, and ultimately the healthcare system, prompting warnings of potential humanitarian catastrophe.
8 events · 8 days · 26 source articles
Fri, Feb 13, 2026
Major
Cuba begins fuel rationing as oil blockade takes effect
Cuban authorities implement fuel rationing measures as US efforts to block Venezuelan oil shipments create severe supply shortages. Aviation authorities warn of limited jet fuel supplies, disrupting long-haul flights. Public transport stalls and banks reduce operating hours. Mexico pledges diplomatic efforts to help resume oil shipments to the island.
Sat, Feb 14, 2026
Moderate
Fire erupts at Havana oil refinery amid deepening crisis
A fire breaks out at the Ñico López Refinery in Havana, sending black smoke billowing over the capital. Cuban officials quickly contain the blaze with no injuries reported. The fire occurs near two moored oil tankers in Havana Bay, adding another complication to the already severe fuel shortage. Venezuela had previously sent around 35,000 barrels of oil daily to Cuba before US intervention.
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
Major
Garbage crisis emerges as fuel shortages disable collection trucks
Trash begins piling up on Havana street corners as only 44 of the city's 106 garbage trucks remain operational due to fuel shortages. Hordes of flies hover over rotten food and waste accumulating in the streets. Residents begin sifting through garbage for reusable items. The visible crisis raises concerns about the spread of disease and public health hazards.
Wed, Feb 18, 2026
Major
Daily life grinds to halt as fuel crisis impacts all sectors
The comprehensive impact of fuel shortages becomes apparent across Cuban society. Tourism collapses as American visitors who had returned after Obama's 2015 diplomatic restoration stay away. Transportation networks fail, power cuts become routine, and water shortages compound the crisis. The fuel shortage affects garbage disposal, leaving waste uncollected for days in the heat and rain, raising hygiene concerns.
Wed, Feb 18, 2026
Moderate
Countries begin withdrawing from Cuban medical programs under US pressure
Guatemala announces it will phase out its three-decade-old program utilizing Cuban doctors, bowing to US pressure. Cuba's global medical missions, which have earned the island billions of dollars annually and served as a key diplomatic tool, face increasing threats. The loss of this revenue stream further compounds Cuba's economic crisis amid the fuel blockade.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Moderate
Mexican humanitarian aid begins arriving in Cuba
State-run bodegas begin distributing bags of donated Mexican humanitarian assistance to Cuban families. The aid represents international recognition of Cuba's deteriorating situation, though it addresses only a fraction of the island's needs as fuel shortages continue to paralyze basic services.
Fri, Feb 20, 2026
Major
Cuban Health Minister warns healthcare system at brink of collapse
Cuba's Health Minister José Ángel Portal Miranda gives an interview warning that the US oil blockade has pushed the already-debilitated healthcare system to the verge of collapse. Ambulances struggle to find fuel for emergency responses, deteriorated hospitals face persistent power outages, and flights bringing vital medical supplies have been suspended because Cuba cannot refuel planes. The minister states that US sanctions now threaten 'basic human safety' beyond just economic impacts.
Sat, Feb 21, 2026
Major
International warnings of humanitarian catastrophe intensify
Multiple international news outlets and experts escalate warnings that Cuba faces an imminent humanitarian crisis. The confluence of fuel shortages, collapsed transportation, uncollected garbage, disabled healthcare services, and suspended supply flights creates conditions experts describe as catastrophic. The blockade's impact extends beyond economic damage to threatening basic human survival and safety for Cuba's population.
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